5th May 2004: I've tried hard
not to care about the 4-1 defeat at Stoke, but I am distinctly upset.
Had Norwich got the point they needed at Sunderland to put the title
beyond us, it may have been easier to bear, but even so, the manner
of the collapse in the second half was alarming.
OK, the season's objective has been achieved and these games will
soon be forgotten once we kick off the Premiership season in August,
but rather than being a celebration, the end of the season is once
again seeing Albion fans scratching their heads asking "What the *@?!
is going on?".
Having played some decent stuff in the first half and gone behind
to an unfortunate goal, Albion got the equaliser early in the second
half. They looked well on top and favourites to go on and win the
game - news also filtered through that Norwich were losing. OK, you
can blame Hoult for the second Stoke goal although it was Big Dave's
ill-advised attempt to take on a Stoke forward that led to the free-kick,
but from that point on, Albion looked like a third division side.
The passing was dreadful, the positional play of the defenders was
abysmal, the passion and drive was non-existent and Stoke ran out
easy and deserved winners.
Megson appears to have taken the pressure off the players and their
performances have consequently dropped in intensity - I'm not sure
why he took that view given that the title was still within reach.
The annoying thing is that if we had won at Reading and Stoke, which
was certainly within the capabilities of the team that had put in
a ten match unbeaten run, the title would now be in our hands. Obviously
this team didn't want the title as much as Norwich, or the fans, and
that is very disappointing.
I feel slightly disloyal complaining when promotion has been secured,
and make no mistake I have been impressed and delighted by the efforts
of Gary and the team this season, but the last two games have left
a sour taste in the mouth. I feel that this team have lost an opportunity
to really turn on the style and make the most of the celebrations.
They have one more chance to make it up to the fans on Sunday. Another
full house at the Hawthorns in what should still be, I hope, a party
atmosphere, needs to be entertained. The game is meaningless for both
sides so let's hope that both teams go out to give the fans a good
show, lots of goals and a final victory for the Baggies. Let's finish
the season on a positive note.
OK, rant over. It's been a brilliant season and I can't wait to see
us in the Premiership again!!
Boing Boing!!
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